The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Program, funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, represents a Presidential priority to deploy the cheapest, cleanest, and most reliable energy technologies we have - energy efficiency and conservation - across the country. The Program, authorized in Title V, Subtitle E of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) and signed into law on December 19, 2007, is modeled after the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:

Reduce fossil fuel emissions;

Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;

Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and

Create and retain jobs.

Through formula and competitive grants, the Program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.

Program Funding Funding for the EECBG Program under the Recovery Act totals $3.2 billion. Of this amount, approximately $2.7 billion will be awarded through formula grants. In addition, more than $400 million will be allocated through competitive grants, which will be awarded through a separate, future Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). The remaining funds will be used to provide a suite of technical assistance tools to state, local, and tribal grantees.